Infrared Roof Scans

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Infrared Thermographic Testing Can Prevent Electrical Failures

I recently read an interesting article by CNA (you can read the whole article here: http://www.irinfraredservices.com/pdffiles/ElectricalFailuresAreaMajorCauseofLosses.pdf )
that claims the "largest single cause of dollar losses and more than 30% of all Fire losses" are due to electrical failure. In fact, electrical failure is the LEADING cause of industrial monetary loss.

Can you imagine knowing that you could effectively reduce the chances of devastating loss to your company through electrical failure simply by performing periodic thermographic inspections? Thermographic inspections can detect loose or corroded connections, overloaded or unbalanced circuits, and can show where corrective action should be focused.

It simply doesn't make financial sense to ignore the facts.


IR Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

What Issues Can Be Found With Thermography?

I'm often asked why I think thermography is so effective. What makes it better than a normal inspection?

All components within a building generate infrared radiation. This heat is invisible to the human eye and can only be detected by infrared thermography. Infrared Thermography can be used to locate a number of issues related to buildings ranging from energy loss to leaks in flat roofs and damp location surveys.

The camera observes the infrared signals and displays the image electronically on a LCD screen. Professional Thermographers can diagnose which elements are generating heat or losing heat and advise on remedial action.

The following list details some of the types of surveys we routinely carry out:

Location of leaks on flat roofs
Identification of water leaks or damp
Assessment of energy loss from buildings
Identify faults or leaks in underfloor heating systems
Location of pipes in floors or walls
Survey and inspect underfloor heating systems
Identify insulation defects in walls
Locate drafts or air infiltration in buildings
Check window or door seal integrity
Check cold store insulation and air integrity

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Common Home Problems - Can They Be Solved with a Home Energy Audit?

In today's shifting economy, making sure your home is functioning in an energy-efficient way can have a big impact on your energy bills. Did you know that if you have one or more the following problems, a home energy audit can identify the issue and recommend how to fix it?

High Energy Bills
High utility bills in summer and winter can often be traced to air leaks in your home's envelope, inefficient windows or inefficient or incorrectly installed heating and cooling equipment, or poorly sealed and insulated ducts.
Mold, Mildew or Musty Odors
Water leaks or high humidity can lead to mold and mildew. This can cause wood rot, structural damage, peeling paint, and a variety of health problems. Often, high humidity in homes with central air conditioners can be traced to improperly sized or installed air conditioners.
Damp Basement
A damp basement is commonly caused by moisture migrating through the foundation. As this moisture evaporates, it increases indoor humidity and can promote the growth of mold — resulting in an uncomfortable house.
Cold Floors in Winter
Some types of floor coverings (such as wood, stone, tile, or concrete) will naturally feel cold on bare feet. However, insufficient insulation or air infiltration can also cause cold floors.
Drafty Rooms
Cold air coming into or going out of your house, especially through leaks hidden in the attic and basement, can cause rooms to feel drafty and uncomfortable.
Dust
Increased dust could be a sign that it is time to change your air filter or that your ductwork is not well sealed.
Moisture on Windows
Inefficient windows or high indoor moisture levels from air leaks can result in condensation, frost, or pools of water on windows and sills.
Ice Dams
Warm air inside your home leaks into the attic and will warm the underside of the roof causing snow and ice to melt and refreeze as it runs off your roof — forming icicles and ice dams.
Peeling Paint
Peeling or cracking paint on your home's exterior may be a sign of a humidity problem or improper paint application.
Hot or Cold Rooms
Significant differences in temperature from one room to another could be caused by several factors, including inadequate insulation, air leakage, poor duct performance, and improperly installed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Dry Indoor Air in Winter
Air leaks in your home allow warm humid air to escape and draw in drier colder air.